McGrane wins BMW Eastern Open

Damien McGrane laid down an early marker by winning the BMW Eastern Open at St Anne's Golf Club.

The 46-year-old reigning Irish PGA Champion edged out Donal Gleeson (Old Conna Golf Club) on the opening play-off hole after both players posted rounds of three-under-par 68.

McGrane dominated the second half of the 2016 season, going on to top the Order of Merit and he looks in no mood to relinquish his title.

A regulation par to Gleeson's bogey five in the play-off was good enough to get him his opening win of the 2017 season at the Bull Island links venue.

“It was cold and the cross-winds made things tricky but I played steady all day and I holed about three or four putts of about 15 or 20 feet after two three-putts on the front nine,” said Damien.

“I hit two good shots in the play-off. It was nice to play half-decent.

“To be honest, I've missed a bit of competitive golf over the winter. I've no interest in walking around like a lost soul. So, a bit of competition and getting a card in my pocket got me interested again and it was nice to start with a win.”